Best DSCR Lenders in Arkansas (Rental Property Loans) [2025]

Arkansas’s real estate landscape has evolved rapidly. Home to the bustling corporate hub of Bentonville, the college town of Fayetteville and the capital city of Little Rock, the state offers a blend of affordable housing and high‑growth pockets. Investment demand has been rising, especially in Northwest Arkansas where the University of Arkansas drives strong rental occupancy and Fortune 500 employers like Walmart attract a growing workforce. Unlike owner‑occupied mortgages, debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) loans evaluate the cash‑flow potential of a property rather than personal income. This makes them appealing for new investors, self‑employed borrowers or anyone looking to scale a portfolio without W‑2 documentation. In this guide, you’ll learn how DSCR loans work in Arkansas, how we ranked the lenders on our list and what to know about local rental dynamics. Select Home Loans tops our rankings thanks to flexible underwriting and strong support across the state.

How we ranked DSCR lenders

To highlight the best DSCR lenders in Arkansas, we considered factors that matter to real estate investors:

1. Transparency of guidelines – lenders that clearly outline DSCR calculations, minimum ratios, credit score requirements and fees ranked higher.
   
2. Minimum DSCR and maximum LTV – programs with lower required DSCRs and higher loan‑to‑value (LTV) allowances provide more leverage for investors.
   
3. Minimum FICO – lenders willing to work with mid‑600 credit scores received extra points; higher minimums reduced rankings.
   
4. Closing speed and underwriting – quick underwriting (two to four weeks) and responsive communication improve the borrower experience.
   
5. Property type flexibility – some lenders only finance single‑family rentals, while others welcome 2–4 unit properties, townhomes, condos and even small multifamily up to eight units.
   
6. Short‑term rental friendliness – given Arkansas’s tourist destinations (Hot Springs, Eureka Springs and the Ozark mountains), the ability to use AirDNA projections and finance Airbnb properties is crucial.
   
7. State availability – only lenders actively originating loans in Arkansas made the list. Lenders restricted to other states or excluding Arkansas were excluded.
   
8. Support for first‑time investors – programs that allow novice landlords to qualify, offer coaching, or permit title to be held in an LLC with no seasoning requirement were prioritized.

Top DSCR lenders in Arkansas

Below are the lenders offering DSCR financing in Arkansas, ordered by the overall value they provide to investors. Rather than using a table, each lender’s profile is described in narrative form for readability. For all programs, confirm current terms directly with the lender, as offerings may change.

1. Select Home Loans – Best overall for Arkansas investors

Website: SelectHomeLoans.com

Phone: 888-550-3296

Select Home Loans specializes in DSCR loans for investors and self‑employed borrowers. While headquartered outside Arkansas, the company actively lends throughout the state and offers hands‑on support for first‑time investors. New and seasoned borrowers alike appreciate its flexible underwriting, rapid closings and local knowledge. The lender serves all 75 counties in Arkansas, including metro areas like Little Rock, Fayetteville, Bentonville, Springdale, Fort Smith and Jonesboro. Minimum DSCR requirements vary by case; many deals qualify with ratios as low as 1.0. Loan‑to‑value limits tend to be around 80 % for purchases and rate‑term refinances and 75 % for cash‑out transactions. Borrowers with mid‑600 credit scores or above are considered, and typical loan amounts range from $100 k to $3 million. Eligible properties include single‑family rentals, duplexes, triplexes, four‑plexes, condos, townhomes and small multifamily (five to eight units). Prepayment penalties usually last three to five years and can be declining or flat, with a buydown option. Select Home Loans requires no personal income documentation; underwriting focuses on property cash flow (rents, leases or market rent), and closings often take two to three weeks from a complete application. Notable features include the ability to hold title in an LLC, support for short‑term rentals (AirDNA data accepted for tourist markets), and experience working with new investors. These factors make Select Home Loans our top choice for Arkansas. Programs, eligibility and pricing are subject to change; this article is for informational purposes only and not a commitment to lend.

2. Easy Street Capital – Best for no minimum DSCR and flexible terms

Easy Street Capital’s EasyRent program provides DSCR loans nationwide, including Arkansas. According to investor guides, the program has no minimum DSCR requirement, making it attractive for properties that barely break even or are temporarily vacant. The lender offers rates starting around 5.99 % and requires a 20 % minimum down payment, which translates to an 80 % LTV for purchases. Borrowers can choose 30‑year fixed or interest‑only terms, and there is no seasoning required on title transfers to an LLC. Credit scores below 640 may be ineligible; however, investors with scores 640 and higher can qualify. Easy Street Capital also finances short‑term rentals using AirDNA projections and offers BRRR (buy, rehab, rent, refinance) loans with up to 75 % LTV on cash‑out refinances. Multifamily loans for five‑ to ten‑unit properties are available and may include interest‑only options.

3. Ridge Street Capital – Best for experienced investors seeking high LTVs

Ridge Street Capital is another national DSCR lender active in Arkansas. The company’s program details show minimum DSCR of 1.0, allowing investors to leverage up to 80 % LTV on purchases and rate‑term refinances and 75 % on cash‑out refinances. Short‑term rentals are allowed with AirDNA projections. The lender generally requires a minimum credit score of 660. Loan amounts range from $75 k to $2 million, and closing can occur within three to four weeks. Ridge Street Capital is best for seasoned investors looking for competitive LTVs and straightforward underwriting.

4. Visio Lending – Best for new investors and Airbnb properties

Visio Lending actively promotes its DSCR loan program in Arkansas. The company offers 30‑year fixed‑rate and interest‑only products with minimum DSCR of 1.0, maximum LTV of 80 % on purchases and 75 % on cash‑out refinances, and loan amounts up to $2 million. Visio is known for being friendly to short‑term rentals: the company accepts AirDNA data to underwrite Airbnb properties, and it has a track record of working with first‑time investors. According to a Northwest Arkansas market update, Fayetteville remains a hub for student housing due to the University of Arkansas, and while days on market have lengthened slightly, price per square foot remains steady. Visio’s combination of flexible guidelines and local awareness makes it a strong option for Arkansas investors.

5. Kiavi – Best for tech‑enabled underwriting and portfolio scaling

Kiavi, formerly LendingHome, offers DSCR loans geared toward technology‑savvy investors. The program typically requires a minimum DSCR of 1.1 or higher and caps LTV at 75 %. Loan amounts range up to $1.5 million, and the lender is praised for its fast online platform and digital underwriting, which can streamline closings. Kiavi is best suited for investors comfortable uploading documentation and using online portals, including those scaling portfolios in booming markets like Bentonville, where monthly rents for a 3‑bed, 2‑bath home were about $1,850 in April 2025.

6. CoreVest – Best for portfolio and small multifamily loans

CoreVest is a major player in single‑family rental and portfolio loans. Its DSCR program features minimum DSCR of 1.0, maximum LTV of 75 %, and loan amounts ranging from $150 k up to $2 million. CoreVest offers both single‑asset and portfolio loans, enabling investors to finance multiple properties under one note. Portfolio loans can be particularly useful in Arkansas for investors who own several units across cities like Fort Smith, Conway and Hot Springs. CoreVest also offers non‑recourse options and allows title to be held in an LLC.

7. Angel Oak Mortgage Solutions – Best for high loan amounts and flexible credit

Angel Oak Mortgage Solutions provides DSCR loans with a minimum DSCR of 1.0 and even offers “no‑ratio” options for some borrowers. The program allows up to 80 % LTV on purchases and 75 % on cash‑out refinances, with loan amounts up to $3 million. Investors can select 30‑ or 40‑year amortizing terms, and interest‑only periods are available. Angel Oak accepts LLC borrowers and foreign nationals, giving Arkansas investors expanded eligibility. Minimum credit scores vary; typically mid‑600s are acceptable, but confirm with the lender.

8. New Silver – Best for quick funding and no DSCR minimum

New Silver offers DSCR loans that require no minimum DSCR, a significant advantage for properties with temporarily low cash flow. Maximum LTV is 75 %, and loan amounts range from $100 k to $2 million. New Silver provides 30‑year fixed and interest‑only options and accepts AirDNA projections for short‑term rentals. The lender’s streamlined application allows for rapid approvals, making it well suited for investors competing in hot markets like Springdale, where rents rose nearly 17 % year over year.

9. RCN Capital – Best for high credit borrowers seeking competitive rates

RCN Capital’s long‑term rental program features a minimum DSCR of 1.0, minimum FICO of 680, and loan amounts between $150 k and $1.5 million. The lender offers rates starting around 5.50 % and provides up to 80 % LTV on purchases and 75 % on cash‑out refinances. RCN Capital is known for efficient closings and strong customer service. The program is a good fit for investors with solid credit scores and properties that easily meet or exceed a 1.0 DSCR.

Comparison snapshot

To help you compare these lenders at a glance, here’s a high‑level summary:

• Select Home Loans: Flexible DSCR (as low as 1.0), up to 80 % LTV, mid‑600 credit scores accepted, rapid underwriting and support for short‑term rentals.
  
• Easy Street Capital: No DSCR minimum, 80 % LTV purchases, 640+ FICO, BRRR and multifamily options.
  
• Ridge Street Capital: Minimum DSCR 1.0, 80 % purchase/75 % cash‑out LTV, 660+ FICO.
  
• Visio Lending: Minimum DSCR 1.0, up to 80 % LTV, accepts Airbnb rentals and is new‑investor friendly.
  
• Kiavi: Minimum DSCR about 1.1, max LTV 75 %, up to $1.5 million, digital platform.
  
• CoreVest: Minimum DSCR 1.0, LTV 75 %, portfolio loans up to $2 million.
  
• Angel Oak: Minimum DSCR 1.0 or no‑ratio, LTV up to 80 % purchase/75 % cash‑out, loan amounts to $3 million.
  
• New Silver: No DSCR minimum, LTV 75 %, up to $2 million, fast approvals.
  
• RCN Capital: Minimum DSCR 1.0, 680 FICO, LTV up to 80 % purchase/75 % cash‑out.

Arkansas DSCR guide

How DSCR is calculated

Most lenders define DSCR as monthly gross rental income divided by monthly debt service (principal, interest, taxes and insurance). For example, if a property collects $1,200 in monthly rent and monthly debt service is $1,000, the DSCR equals 1.20 ($1,200 ÷ $1,000). Some lenders use the lease amount, while others use market rent determined by an appraisal. A DSCR of 1.0 means the property’s income covers its debt; ratios below 1.0 indicate the property’s cash flow will not fully cover payments, while ratios above 1.0 provide a buffer. OfferMarket’s DSCR loan guidelines note that many programs accept ratios starting at 1.1 and that higher DSCRs typically lead to better terms.

DSCR example using Arkansas rents

According to , the average rent in Arkansas was about $946 per month in August 2025, with studios around $822, one‑bedroom units roughly $946 and two‑bedroom units about $1,062. Suppose you purchase a duplex in Little Rock for $150,000 with a 20 % down payment. Each unit rents for $950 a month. The total monthly rent is $1,900. If your monthly mortgage payment (principal and interest at 7.5 % on a 30‑year term) plus taxes and insurance equals $1,400, the DSCR is $1,900 ÷ $1,400 = 1.36. This ratio exceeds the 1.0 threshold required by most lenders and would likely qualify for programs from Select Home Loans, Visio or CoreVest. However, if the property’s rents decreased to $1,200 due to a seasonal vacancy, the DSCR would drop to 0.86, and only lenders with no DSCR minimum (such as Easy Street or New Silver) might consider the deal.

Short‑term rental considerations

Northwest Arkansas attracts tourists to Bentonville’s Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Fayetteville’s Razorback games and Eureka Springs’ historic sites. Short‑term rentals in these areas can command higher nightly rates than traditional leases, but investors must stay on top of local rules. At present, Arkansas does not have a statewide short‑term rental law; municipalities issue permits and collect hotel taxes. For example, in Fayetteville, short‑term rentals require a business license and must comply with parking and inspection requirements. DSCR lenders like Select Home Loans, Easy Street and Visio Lending accept AirDNA projections when evaluating STR income, but they may cap LTV at 75 % for these properties and may require DSCR of 1.20 or higher. It’s important to check with local planning departments before purchasing an STR.

Local investor considerations

Northwest Arkansas: A May 2025 market report shows that rents for three‑bed, two‑bath homes in Bentonville averaged around $1,850 per month, the highest in the region. Rogers saw a median rent of $1,425 with faster lease‑up times. Springdale rents climbed to $1,400, reflecting strong workforce demand and spillover from neighboring cities. Fayetteville, anchored by the University of Arkansas, remained a hub for student housing; though days on market increased, price per square foot stayed steady. DSCR lenders may require signed leases or market rents from student housing operators, and some will accept by‑the‑bed leases for student rentals. Investors should plan for seasonal fluctuations as students leave for summer.

Central and Southeast Arkansas: Little Rock is the state’s largest rental market, with average rents around $944 for a one‑bedroom. Outside of metropolitan areas, rents are considerably lower—Pine Bluff’s average rent is roughly $626, and Fort Smith averages $657. Investors purchasing lower‑priced properties may find high DSCR ratios but should budget for capital expenditures and property management. In rural Arkansas, property values may be low relative to construction costs, so lenders might adjust LTV downward.

Qualification checklist for Arkansas DSCR loans

1. Credit score: Most lenders require a minimum FICO between 640 and 680. Borrowers with mid‑600 scores can still qualify with some programs (Select Home Loans, Easy Street, New Silver), but lenders like RCN Capital require at least 680.
   
2. DSCR: Standard programs require a ratio of 1.0–1.25. Some lenders have no minimum (Easy Street, New Silver), while others ask for 1.10–1.20 on higher LTVs or short‑term rentals.
   
3. Reserves: Lenders typically want six to twelve months of principal, interest, taxes and insurance (PITI) in liquid reserves. More reserves may be required for larger loan amounts or borrowers with limited experience.
   
4. Down payment: Expect to put down 20 % for purchases. Higher down payments may be required for short‑term rentals or low DSCR deals.
   
5. Property appraisal: A DSCR appraisal will determine market rent using comparable rentals. In markets like Fayetteville, appraisers may adjust for by‑the‑bed student leases.
   
6. Entity structure: Many lenders allow title to be held in an LLC. Check seasoning requirements if you transfer a property into an LLC after closing.
   
7. Lease or rent roll: Provide copies of current leases or vacancy letters. For long‑term leases, lenders like Ridge Street or Visio may use lease income. For vacant or student properties, market rent from the appraisal may be used.

Rates and terms snapshot

DSCR loan pricing is driven by factors like DSCR level, credit score, loan amount, property type, occupancy and prepayment options. Programs with lower DSCRs or no‑ratio features usually carry higher interest rates. Conversely, strong DSCRs (1.25+), high FICO scores and lower LTVs often yield better pricing. Rate sheets can change weekly based on Treasury yields and credit markets; at the time of this writing, DSCR rates typically range from the low 7 % to mid‑9 % range for 30‑year fixed loans, with a slight premium for interest‑only or short‑term rental properties. Lenders may charge origination points between 1 % and 3 %, plus underwriting, appraisal and legal fees. Always request a complete loan estimate and compare offers. Terms and conditions are subject to change without notice.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What DSCR do lenders want in Arkansas? Most lenders want to see a DSCR of at least 1.0, meaning the property’s net rental income covers its mortgage obligations. Some programs require higher ratios (1.15–1.25) for riskier deals. Easy Street Capital and New Silver have no formal DSCR minimum.

Do DSCR lenders allow duplexes and four‑plexes? Yes. Select Home Loans, Visio Lending, CoreVest, New Silver and others finance 2–4 unit properties at similar LTVs to single‑family homes. Some lenders may charge slightly higher rates or require a higher DSCR for triplexes and four‑plexes.

Can I use Airbnb income to qualify? Several lenders (Select Home Loans, Easy Street, Visio, New Silver) accept projected short‑term rental income based on AirDNA or market studies. However, they may reduce LTV or require higher DSCR. Check local ordinances and obtain necessary permits.

What credit score is needed for a DSCR loan? Requirements vary by lender. Select Home Loans and Easy Street typically accept scores in the mid‑600s, while Ridge Street and RCN Capital require 660–680 or higher. Angel Oak and New Silver can sometimes work with borrowers with scores down to 620, but terms may be less favorable.

Are DSCR loans available to first‑time investors? Yes. Many lenders, including Select Home Loans and Visio, welcome first‑time investors and do not require prior landlord experience. You will need a strong plan for property management and adequate reserves.

Can I hold the property in an LLC? Most DSCR lenders allow or even encourage borrowers to purchase under an LLC for liability protection. Ensure the LLC is properly formed, and check with your lender about additional documentation or guarantor requirements.

How long does it take to close a DSCR loan? Typical underwriting times range from two to four weeks once a complete file is submitted. Providing full documentation (leases, insurance quotes, entity paperwork and proof of reserves) upfront helps avoid delays.

Call to action

If you’re ready to start building or expanding your Arkansas rental portfolio, begin by exploring your options with Select Home Loans. Their flexible DSCR tolerances, high LTV allowances and experience with first‑time investors make them a standout choice. Reach out via their website to request a personalized quote, discuss your property goals and learn what it takes to qualify. Remember, this guide is for informational purposes only; programs, eligibility and pricing are subject to change and are not a commitment to lend.